Mazda 2

The 2’s compact size, light, accurate controls and tight turning circle are great in town, while the quick-witted chassis is well balanced and agile. This is an everyday supermini that’s great fun to drive. The fide is firm, yet because the damping is impressive, it never becomes jittery or loses its composure. Body control is superb – it may not be as grown up as some rivals, but it’s very enjoyable. Both 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines feel energetic too, thanks to the low kerb weight, while the gearshift and brakes have impressive feel.

Mazda’s designers chose to make the latest 2 40mm shorter than its predecessor; most rivals are longer, taller and wider, which gives the Japanese hatch a distinct weight advantage. This is great for economy and performance. It doesn’t even look like a heavy car, with athletic, dynamic styling that’s very attractive. There’s a very small range of three trims; 1.3 TS, 1.3 TS2 and 1.5 Sport, all in the single five-door bodystyle. All are very well-equipped – and the company’s straightforward pricing policy means your only option is whether to choose metallic paint. Related to the Ford Fiesta, other rivals include the Renault Clio III, Vauxhall Corsa, Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris and Peugeot 207.

Despite its compact, sporty appearance, the 2 is practical. The boot has a lift-out lining, reversible floor and 250-litre capacity. What’s more, the 2’s rear legroom is very impressive, and the high, domed roof plus a large glass area enhances the sense of space. The simple yet elegant dash is good, while ergonomics are top-drawer and the driving position faultless (despite the lack of steering wheel reach adjustment). The only drawback is the quality of the plastics; the dashboard is shiny. At slow speeds, the Mazda is quiet, thanks to the smooth and well-insulated engines. However, road noise is an issue at speed, although it’s not harsh. As for economy, it’s very impressive, while servicing costs are low and retained values predicted to be impressive.